Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan Travel Guide

Called the 'land of fire', Azerbaijan is famed for
its old-world ties, oil spas, healing springs, and
ateshgahs(eternal fires). History buffs and wellness
tourists will not be disappointed. The country lies between Asia
and Europe and is an important player in the South Caucasus' energy
space. Indeed, Azerbaijan was first to explore the region's
tremendous potential in the sector.

Azerbaijan is also renowned for Naftalan: a unique,
medicinal oil. The remedy is thought to be an effective treatment
for arthritis, psoriasis, and rheumatism. Naftalan town has special
spas and treatment centres, where patients sit up to their necks in
baths of the rare oil. Visitors can choose from more than 1,000
mineral springs throughout the country as well.

The capital, Baku, is the largest and most
cosmopolitan city in the Caucasus region, and is Azerbaijan's
cultural, economic, political, and scientific centre. Situated on
the Caspian Sea, it is about 5,500 years old.

History lovers can see some wonderfully preserved
relics, ancient mosques, cities, oases, fortresses and palaces.
They can also visit the ancient fire-worshipper temple complex,
Ateshgah, and walk the natural gas-fuelled Yanar Dag (Fire
Mountain), which is one of many impressive eternal fires on the
Absheron Peninsula. For the most part, Azerbaijan is mountainous
and dotted with beautiful lakes. Many resorts line the Caspian
Sea's sandy beaches.

On a cautionary note, there is ongoing conflict
between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the small Nagorno-Karabakh
enclave. Though largely populated by Armenians, it is officially
part of Azerbaijan. The trouble began with the collapse of the
Soviet Union in 1991, when both countries gained their
independence.